ESA Travel Letters in Connecticut: Are They Still Valid for Flights

ESA Travel Letters in Connecticut: Are They Still Valid for Flights?

For years, emotional support animal (ESA) letters were a popular way for individuals in Connecticut—and across the U.S.—to travel with their pets in the cabin of an airplane without extra fees. But with shifting airline policies and federal regulations, many pet owners are wondering: Are ESA travel letters still valid for flights in Connecticut?

The short answer? Not for commercial air travel.

What Changed in ESA Air Travel Laws?

As of January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations. The update allowed airlines to no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals. This means airlines can now treat ESAs as regular pets, subject to standard pet fees and carrier size restrictions.

Whether you’re flying out of Bradley International, Tweed-New Haven, or a private airstrip in Connecticut, these new rules apply across the board.

So, if you're relying solely on an ESA letter, airlines are not required to accommodate your pet in the cabin any differently than a pet without one.

What’s Still Protected?

While ESA letters no longer carry weight in the sky, protections still exist on the ground—particularly for psychiatric service dogs (PSDs).

Under federal law, psychiatric service dogs are still fully protected under the ACAA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Airlines must accommodate PSDs in the cabin at no additional charge, as long as they meet specific behavioral and training criteria.

This is where PetCerts.com comes in.

The Shift from ESA to PSD Travel Letters

At PetCerts.com, we provide legitimate PSD Housing and Travel Letters that are tailored for individuals who need their psychiatric service dog for mental health support. These letters support air travel and housing accommodations under current legal protections—not outdated ESA policies.

So while ESA travel letters are no longer valid for flights, a verified PSD letter offers a real, legally recognized path forward for Connecticut residents who need to fly with their dog by their side.

Flying With a PSD from Connecticut: What You Need to Know

1. Advance Notice: Most airlines require forms to be submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

2. DOT Forms: You may need to complete and submit the DOT’s official PSD form attesting to your dog’s health, behavior, and training.

3. Behavior Matters: Airlines can deny access if a dog displays aggressive or disruptive behavior—even if it's a PSD.

4. Size and Breed: While breed restrictions are prohibited for service dogs, size may be a factor depending on your seat and aircraft type.

Why PetCerts.com?

Our team works exclusively with licensed professionals who understand the evolving rules of air travel and housing. We only issue letters for psychiatric service dog use—no fluff, no shortcuts, and no vague promises.

Whether you’re moving out of Hartford or planning a cross-country trip from New Haven, our PSD Travel Letters help ensure you and your dog can stay together when it matters most.

The Bottom Line for Connecticut Pet Owners

• ESA letters are no longer accepted for flights, regardless of the issuing state.

• Only psychiatric service dogs are allowed in aircraft cabins under federal law.

• A legitimate PSD travel letter is your ticket to compliant, worry-free air travel.

If you're a Connecticut resident who previously relied on an ESA letter, now is the time to explore the benefits of a PSD designation. At PetCerts.com, we're here to help you make that transition confidently and legally.